ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces aromatherapy, the chemistry of essential oils (EOs), and the role of plant tissue culture for large-scale multiplication of EO-producing plants. The composition of EOs is complex in nature as it contains various phytochemicals, mainly volatile terpenoid compounds biosynthesized via mevalonate pathway. EOs have distinguishing characteristics that make them different than odoriferous plants. Oils produced by such plants are known as essential as they provide the distinguished odor and flavor of the respective plant. This complex composition contains monoterpenes (hydrocarbon and oxygenated monoterpenes) and also sesquiterpenes (hydrocarbon and oxygenated sesquiterpenes). Additionally, other compounds such as phenolic compounds are synthesized via shikimic acid pathway.
